Replaceable Valve Assembly

ABSTRACT

A lift-valve assembly, comprising a lift valve within a housing that includes a pressure segment, a mounting segment, a port segment, and a seat segment. The lift-valve assembly may receive a lift valve, and the housing including a valve seat and a biasing spring in a selectively replaceable configuration suitable for use in a conventional internal combustion engine in place of the conventional individual components, actuated by a cam actuating system, and controlling fluid communication between a combustion chamber and both intake and exhaust systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/175,453, filed on Apr. 15, 2021, by the present inventor, entitled “replaceable Valve Assembly.” The prior submission related to engine insert technologies is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all allowable purposes, including the incorporation and preservation of any and all rights to patentable subject matter of the inventor, such as features, elements, processes and process steps, and improvements that may supplement or relate to the subject matter described herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to lift valves for internal combustion engines, and more specifically to a lift valve assembly comprising a lift valve within a housing that incorporates the valve, a valve seat, and a biasing spring in a selectively replaceable configuration suitable for use in a conventional internal combustion engine in place of the conventional individual components.

Current configurations require complex and careful assembly and disassembly, which include the manipulation of springs under substantial pressure. Inspection and replacement are both dangerous and time-consuming. Because of these factors, valve inspection and maintenance are frequently done less frequently than is prudent, especially in mission-critical engines, such as aircraft and military vehicles.

It would be an improvement to the field of art to have the lift valve assembly that could be easily installed and removed as an integrated assembly. It may also be an improvement to the field of art that the integrated assembly be configurable to be secured with a threaded interface on the assembly and within the engine block or head. It may also be an improvement to the field of art that the integrated assembly be configurable to be secured by a separate threaded securing fastener. It may also be an improvement to the field of art that the integrated assembly be configurable to be secured by fasteners interfacing an integral flange on the housing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present development is, among other things, a lift-valve assembly, comprising a lift valve within a housing that incorporates the valve, a valve seat, and a biasing spring in a selectively replaceable configuration suitable for use in a conventional internal combustion engine in place of the conventional individual components, actuated by a cam actuating system, and controlling fluid communication between a combustion chamber and both intake and exhaust systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view schematic of an exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a side view schematic of the exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly shown in FIG. 1B, cut at line A-A.

FIG. 1D is a cutaway side view schematic of details within reference circle B shown in FIG. 1C.

FIG. 2A is a side view schematic of an alternate exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly shown in FIG. 2A, cut at line C-C.

FIG. 2C is a cutaway side view schematic of details within reference circle D shown in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3A is a side view schematic of an alternate exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly shown in FIG. 3A, cut at line E-E.

FIG. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an alternate exemplary port segment and seat segment suitable for use in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, shown as if positioned and cut at line E-E.

FIG. 4A is a side view schematic of an alternate exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly shown in FIG. 4A, cut at line F-F.

FIG. 5A is a side view schematic of an alternate exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly shown in FIG. 5A, cut at line G-G.

FIG. 6A is a side view schematic of an alternate exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly shown in FIG. 6A, cut at line H-H.

FIG. 7A is a side view schematic of an alternate exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly according to the present invention, shown without a lift valve.

FIG. 7B is a side view schematic of an alternate exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly shown in FIG. 7B, cut at line I-I.

FIG. 8 is a partial side view schematic of a prior art lift valve configuration for an overhead valve engine.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional side view schematic of an exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly according to the present invention configured for use in engine similar to that shown in FIGS. 8.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional side view schematic of a flathead engine having one lift valve configuration according to the prior art, and another an exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top, side perspective schematic view of an alternate exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of the exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly shown in FIG. 11, cut at line J-J.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are partial schematic cross-sectional side views of the detail area designated by circle K, shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the exemplary replaceable lift valve assembly shown in FIG. 11, cut at line L-L.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It is understood that valves, and their corresponding intake and exhaust ports, may be positioned in various locations in the engine, and may have varied orientations. The current disclosure will discuss a configuration where the valves and valve channels are located in the engine head, and the valves are generally shown to be positioned above the bulk of the combustion chamber. However, the current device and process may be used in engines where the valves and valve channels are otherwise located, such as being positioned in the engine block, at or being below the combustion chambers. It is also understood that the engine valves and valve channels are radially circular in structure, to provide even seal and pressure distribution around the perimeters. It is for that reason terms like “cylindrical,” “cylindrically parallel,” “radially parallel,” and “coaxial” are used to describe and mean multiple surfaces that uniformly encircle a common axis, and each surface at a different distance from that axis, which includes that adjacent parallel surfaces may be touching.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, an exemplary embodiment of a valve assembly 10 is shown comprising a pressure segment 102, a mounting segment 104, a port segment 106, a seat segment 108, and a lift valve 110. For reference purposes, the valve assembly 10 is shown with a longitudinal valve assembly axis α. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve assembly may be assembled without a lift valve 110 and configured to receive a standard lift valve 110.

In an exemplary embodiment, a lift valve 110 may include a valve stem 112 and a valve head 114. In an exemplary embodiment, the lift valve 110 head may have a head perimeter 132 on which may be formed a valve seat-face 134. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve stem 112 may include the valve had 114 located at one end of the valve stem 112. In the exemplary embodiment, the valve stem 112 may have a retainer notch 136 in the valve stem 112 distal the head 114.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure segment 102 may include a spring 116, a compression housing 118, and a pressure retainer 120. In the exemplary embodiment, the pressure segment 102 may be generally oriented around the valve assembly axis α. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring 116 maybe a helical spring that coils around the valve stem 112 of a lift valve 110 positioned within the pressure segment 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the compression housing 118 may include one or more cylindrically parallel housing components, such as an internal housing 138 and an external housing 140. The exemplary parallel housing components (138, 140) may be seen as either or both cylindrically parallel to and coaxal to the spring 116.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting segment 104 may include a mounting seal 122, a mounting interface 124, a valve sleeve 126, a valve sleeve channel 128, and a wrench interface 130. In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting segment 104 may be generally oriented around the valve assembly axis α. In the exemplary embodiment, the valve sleeve channel 128 maybe correspondently sized to receive an appropriate valve stem 112. In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting seal 122 is located intermediate the port segment 106 and the pressure segment 102 in order to ensure fluid flow is restricted from the port segment 106 area.

In the exemplary embodiment, the port segment 106 may consist of a plurality of ports 142. In the exemplary embodiment, the port segment 106 may be generally oriented around the valve assembly axis α. In the exemplary embodiment of the port segment 106, ports 142 are radial openings through the port segment 112. In the exemplary embodiment, the port segment 106 may include a port framework 144 to sustain the ports 142 and ensure the port segment 106 maintains the capacity for fluid flow through the ports 142.

Paying particular attention to FIG. 1D, seat segment 108 may include a valve seat 146. In the exemplary embodiment, the seat segment 108 may be generally oriented around the valve assembly axis α. In the exemplary embodiment, the valve seat 146 may be circular in shape and oriented perpendicular to the valve assembly axis α. In the exemplary embodiment, the shape of the valve seat 146 may form a valve orifice 148. An appropriately sized lift valve 110 will have a valve head 114 correspondently sized to the valve orifice 148. In the exemplary embodiment, the inside perimeter 150 of the valve orifice 148 may comprise a valve seat seat-face 152. In the exemplary embodiment, the valve seat seat-face 152 is complementary in shape to the valve seat-face 134. In the exemplary embodiment, the interface of the valve seat-face 134 and the valve seat seat-face 152 create a pressure chamber seal 154. In the exemplary embodiment, the pressure chamber seal 154 works in concert with other seals to retain pressure within a periodically pressurized chamber 20, such as an internal combustion engine combustion chamber.

Referring now primarily still to FIG. 1D, in the exemplary embodiment, the seats segment 108 may include a seat seal 156 having a seat appendage 158, cylindrically parallel to the valve orifice 148 and a seat void 160. Exemplary seat seal 156, in cooperation with other seals, creates a seal between the seat segment 208 and the engine block or head in which the valve assembly 210 may be installed. This exemplary seat seal 156 is particularly suitable for securing an engine insert where the engine or head material is of a softer nature then the insert. The exemplary securement embodiment is based on a design by the current inventor. The inventor's design is explained in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/134,877, filed on Sep. 18, 2018, and now issued U.S. Pat. No. 10,731,522, entitled “Secure Engine Insert and Process for Installing,” issued on Aug. 4, 2020. This patent and the patent applications from which it depends are all included herein by reference for all legal purposes, and primarily to include the elements of that invention, as they may relate, to the present device.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, an alternate exemplary embodiment of a valve assembly 210 is shown comprising a pressure segment 102, a mounting segment 104, a port segment 106, a seat segment 208, and a lift valve 110. In the particular exemplary embodiment, the pressure segment 102, mounting segment 104, and port segment 106, are similar to those of the prior exemplary embodiment. This exemplary embodiment may be better suited for use in an engine or head of made from more rigid material, such as cast iron. As such, this exemplary embodiment employs an alternate configuration for the seat segment 208, which forms an alternate exemplary seat seal 256 between the seat segment 208 and the engine or head in which the valve assembly 210 may be installed. The alternate exemplary valve seat 246 may also include an alternate inside perimeter 250 and an alternate pressure chamber seal 254. This alternate exemplary embodiment may include an alternate embodiment valve seat 246 generally oriented around a similar valve assembly axis α, and having a circular shape oriented perpendicular to the valve assembly axis α. This alternate exemplary embodiment may also still include a valve seat seat-face 252 and corresponding valve seat-face 134, which together create a pressure chamber seal 254. In this exemplary embodiment, a principal difference is seal 210, which may be made from a soft metal. As such, seal 210 is intended to deform between the alternate embodiment valve seat 246 and the engine component in which the valve assembly 210 may be installed.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, an alternate exemplary embodiment of a valve assembly 310 is shown comprising a pressure segment 302, a mounting segment 104, a port segment 106, and either a seat segment 108, or, as shown in FIG. 3C, an alternate seat segment 208. The choice of seat segment (108, 208) may depend on the material of the engine in which the valve assembly 310 may be installed. The exemplary alternate embodiment valve assembly 310 includes a hollow valve 380, through which a fluid may be passed to promote cooling of the hollow valve 380. The alternate embodiment valve assembly 310 may include a cooling connection 362 which may be secured to the hollow valve 380 distal the valve head 114 with a cooling securement 364. In the exemplary embodiment, the cooling securement 364 may be secured with cooling fastener 366.

In the exemplary embodiment, cooling connection 362 may be connected to a cooling line providing a flow of fluid. A suitable flow of fluid may be obtained from a cooling system of an engine in which the exemplary valve assembly 310 may be used. Cooling systems with suitable cooling fluids are known in the field, and may include a typical radiator and radiator coolant flow system. A small cooling line (not shown) may be tapped into the cooling system to provide a supply of cooling fluid. In the exemplary embodiment, the cooling fluid may enter the cooling connection 362 through inlet port 390 by use of a suitable connector (not shown).

In the exemplary embodiment, cooling fluid introduced to the cooling connection 362 through inlet port 390 may flow into a valve core 386 through valve inlet 382 at the end of the hollow valve 380 opposite the valve head 114. In the exemplary embodiment, cooling fluid would then leave the valve core 386 through valve outlet 384 and enter the interior of compression housing 118. During typical operation of the valve assembly 310, pressure is applied to the cooling connection 362 to open the valve assembly 110. Such action also moves the internal housing segment 138 in relationship to the external housing segment 140. The motion of internal housing segment 138 in relationship to external housing segment 140 creates a pumping action. Fluid pressure within compression housing 118 forces the cooling fluid out outlet port 392. Once appropriately primed, the fluid flow throughout the valve assembly 310 will be supported by the pumping action of the compression housing 118. A suitable connector (not shown) may connect to outlet port 392 an provide fluid communication for the cooling fluid to return to the cooling system (not shown).

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an additional alternate exemplary embodiment valve assembly 410 is shown with a modified mounting segment 404. In the exemplary embodiment, the alternate wrench interface 340 may include an alternate mounting interface 424. in the exemplary embodiment, the exemplary mounting interface 424 is a fine set of threads, potentially similar to threads found on spark plugs. The exemplary wrench interface 430 has a securement interface 432 with the exemplary mounting segment 404. The exemplary securement interface 432 permits motion between the main portion of the mounting segment 404 and the wrench interface 430 such that the wrench interface 430 may be turned to progressively engage correspondingly shaped threads in an engine in which the exemplary valve assembly 410 may be installed, while the balance of the mounting segment 404 remains rotationally still. Such progressive engagement of the threads of the securement interface 432 provide for a secure attachment of the valve assembly 410 within an engine.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an additional alternate exemplary embodiment valve assembly 510 is shown with an alternate modified mounting segment 504. In the exemplary embodiment valve assembly 510, a mounting interface 524 is moved from the mounting segment 504 to the seat segment 508. In the exemplary embodiment, mounting segment 408 may still comprises a mounting seal 122. In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting interface 524 may comprise threads on the exterior of the alternate valve seat 546. The threads of the mounting interface 524 may correspond in size and shape to threads in an engine in which the exemplary valve assembly 510 may be installed, in order to provide secure attachment of the alternate valve assembly 510 within an engine.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an additional alternate exemplary embodiment valve assembly 610 is shown with an alternate modified mounting segment 604. In the exemplary alternate embodiment of valve assembly 610, alternate mounting segment 604 includes an alternate mounting interface 624 which may have a flange protruding radially outward from the valve assembly access α. In the exemplary embodiment, the alternate mounting interface 624 may support securement of the valve assembly 610 by various means, including clamps, bolts, and a securement plate (not shown), to name a few examples.

The previous exemplary embodiments have primarily focused on an overhead valve configuration widely used in engines known in the field. FIG. 8 depicts the prior art, where the components that support the function of the valve 117 are individual components and must be installed and removed independently. FIG. 9 depicts a valve assembly 210, previously shown in FIGS. 2a , 2B, and 2C, configured to replace the individual components within the overhead valve configuration. The replacement may include modification of the engine head, but the balance of the engine, including the valve actuation system may remain the same.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 10, an additional exemplary embodiment is shown that may be particularly suited for installation from the valve head 114 end of the valve assembly 710, or valve stem 112 first. Exemplary valve assembly 710 may be particularly well suited for use in an engine design typically referred to as a “flathead,” an example of which is depicted in FIG. 10 with both a conventional valve configuration and a valve assembly 710 according to the current disclosure.

Alternate exemplary embodiment 710 is shown comprising a pressure segment 102, an alternate mounting segment 704, a port segment 106, and an alternate seat segment 708. As shown in FIG. 7A, the valve assembly may be assembled without a lift valve 110. With the lift valve 110 removed the valve orifice 748 may be more evident, without the valve head 114 in place to obscure the valve orifice 748. For reference purposes, the valve assembly 10 is shown with a longitudinal valve assembly axis α.

In the exemplary embodiment, the alternate mounting segment 704 comprises a mounting surface of threads on the mounting segment body. Though inverted in this alternate embodiment, the threads function as previously describe to secure the valve assembly 710 in an appropriate engine.

In the exemplary embodiment, the alternate seat segment 708 comprises a wrench interface 730. The alternate seat segment 708 also comprises an alternate seat seal 756 on the opposite surface of the valve alternate valve seat 746 from the alternate wrench interface 730. Since the exemplary embodiment will be installed inverted, the wrench interface 730 must remain exposed on the side of the valve seat 746 opposite the port segment 106. It should be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that the valve actuator linkage in a “flathead” configuration will be within the engine block, below the valve assembly 710.

During operation, it should be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that any of the depicted valve assemblies (10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) may have an open position where the pressure segment (102, 202) is compressed and the valve head 114 extends from the valve orifice (148, 748) and a closed position where the pressure segment (102, 202) is extended and the valve seat-face 134 impinges against the seat seat-face (152, 252). It should also be appreciated that a valve seat (146, 246) inside perimeter (150, 250) sized to correspond to the valve head perimeter 132 so that the valve seat-face 134 and the seat seat-face (152, 252) form a tight seal when the valve is in the closed position.

Referring now primarily to FIGS. 11 through 18, an additional exemplary embodiment metered valve 1110 is shown that may be particularly suited for implementation with compressible gas fuels. In an exemplary embodiment, a metered valve 1110 may have a pressure segment 1102, a mounting segment 104, a port segment 1106, and a seat segment 1108. In an exemplary embodiment, the metered valve 1110 may have a crown 1161 at one end of a valve body 1164, distal the port segment 1106. In an exemplary embodiment, a wrenching surface 1130 may be adjacent to the mounting segment 104.

In an exemplary embodiment, the crown 1161 may wrap over a valve body neck 1162, and be configured to slidably engage with the valve body neck 1162. In an exemplary embodiment, an inlet port interface 1176, in the valve body neck 1162, may be accessible through an orifice in the crown 1161. In an exemplary embodiment, a crown 1161 may extend within the valve body neck 1162, and comprise an inlet port 1190. In an exemplary embodiment, the inlet port interface 1176 may provide fluid communication with the inlet port 1190, which, in turn, may provide fluid communication with a compression chamber 1191 and an outlet port 1192. In an exemplary embodiment, the compression chamber 1191 may reside within a valve 1170.

In an exemplary embodiment, the valve body 1164 may house and slidably engage a valve 1170, which in an exemplary embodiment, may comprise a valve upper 1172 and a valve bottom 1174. In an exemplary embodiment, the crown 1161 may slidably engage the valve 1170 and apply fluid pressure to the compression chamber 1191. Movement of the crown 1161 with respect to the body neck 1162 may terminate the fluid communication between the inlet port interface 1176 and the inlet port 1190, closing the compression chamber 1191, and permitting pressure to develop within the compression chamber 1191.

In an exemplary embodiment, the crown 1161 may have a stroke distance S, relative to the mounting segment 104. The stroke distance S, may comprise a stroke load SL distance and a stroke release distance SR. In an exemplary embodiment, a stroke load distance SL may be the distance the crown 1161 may travel before it makes contact with the valve 1170, and a stroke release distance SR may be the distance the crown 1161 may travel once it makes contact with the valve 1170.

In an exemplary embodiment, during the compressive travel of the stroke load distance SL, pressure is increased on a fluid in the compression chamber 1191. In an exemplary embodiment, during the compressive travel of the stroke release distance SR, the flared valve head 1114 of the valve bottom 1174 moves away from the valve body 1164 in the port segment 1106. In an exemplary embodiment, during the compressive travel of the stroke release distance SR, fluid pressurized within the compression chamber 1191 may travel through the valve core 1186, to be released out outlet port 1192. As such, the metered valve 1110 may have a closed position, where the flared valve head 1114 of the valve 1170 seats securely against the valve body 1164, blocking fluid flow from the outlet port 1192, the compression chamber 1191, and the valve core 1186. Alternatively, the metered valve 1110 may have an open position, where the flared valve head 1114 of the valve 1170 is separated away from the valve body 1164, permitting fluid flow from the outlet port 1192, the compression chamber 1191, and the valve core 1186.

In an exemplary embodiment, recover spring 1178 may provide force to return the valve bottom 1174 to the closed position from the open position, reestablishing the stroke release distance SR. Additionally, spring 1116 may provide force to return the crown 1161 to an extended position, at the full extent of stroke load distance SL, as well as the full extent of stroke distance S.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. The examples contained in this specification are merely possible implementations of the current device, and alternatives to the particular features and elements may be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents, since the provided exemplary embodiments are only examples of how the invention may be employed and are not exhaustive. 

I claim:
 1. A valve assembly for controlling fluid communication into a periodically pressurized chamber, comprising: a pressure segment, a mounting segment, a port segment, and a seat segment; the pressure segment including a spring and a tension retainer; the mounting segment including a mounting interface; the port segment including at least one port and a port framework; the seat segment including a valve seat and a pressure chamber seal; and the pressure chamber seal sealing the valve assembly from pressures within the periodically pressurized chamber.
 2. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a lift valve having a valve stem and a valve head; the valve head having a valve head perimeter; and the valve head perimeter having a valve seat face.
 3. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising: the valve seat having an inside perimeter forming a round valve orifice, and a seat seat-face on the inside perimeter.
 4. The valve assembly of claim 2, further comprising: the valve seat having a valve seat inside perimeter forming a round valve orifice, and a valve seat-face on the inside perimeter; the valve assembly having an open position where the pressure segment is compressed and the valve head extends from the valve orifice; and the valve assembly having a closed position where the pressure segment is extended and the valve seat-face impinges against the seat seat-face.
 5. The valve assembly of claim 4, further comprising: the valve seat inside perimeter sized to correspond to the valve head perimeter so that the valve seat-face and the seat seat-face form a tight seal when the valve is in the closed position. 